Ask Geoffrey

Ask Geoffrey

You can still enjoy the 31st Street beach, even though just south, some major construction is going on. Geoffrey Baer tells us what they're building in tonight's Ask Geoffrey.

• Chicago Park District Harbor info, including 31st Street plans
• Chicago Fire Department history
• Fire apparatus numbers
• Geographic Society of Chicago
• Ask Geoffrey your own question & watch previous segments online

Cultural Connections

Cultural Connections: Big Bill Broonzy

He's a Chicago legend and one of the forefathers of the blues. So why has his name been almost forgotten in modern culture? We talk to the author of I Feel So Good: The Life and Times of Big Bill Broonzy.

• More on the Story: Music & videos of Big Bill Broonzy
• Tribute event to Big Bill Broonzy
• Watch more Cultural Connections online

Arts & Entertainment

Phunny Business

In the 90s, "All Jokes Aside" served as a launching pad for many of today's top African-American comedians. A new film takes a look at the rise and fall of one of Chicago's once-premier comedy clubs.

• More on the movie
• Siskel Film Center

Rahm Emanuel Archive

Mayor Emanuel's First 30 Days

Mayor Rahm Emanuel delivers his own report card on his first 30 days in office. Eddie Arruza and our panel weigh in on the mayor's performance.

• Breakdown of Emanuel's accomplishments
• Chicago Tonight's Mayor Rahm Emanuel page

Science & Nature

CDOT Commissioner on Improving Maneuvering

He used to manage the roadways of our nation's capital. Now he's followed Mayor Emanuel back to Chicago to direct transportation operations here. Chicago's new Transportation Commissioner Gabe Klein walks us through some of his ideas for improving how we maneuver in Chicago.

• Should Chicago make downtown more pedestrian friendly?
• More on Gabe Klein

Education

Summer Books

Season's Readings! Our panel of book lovers recommends their best bets for great summer reads.

• More on the Story: Guest bios and book recommendations
• Jessa Crispin's website
• More on Miguel Figueroa
• More on Al Gini

Arts & Entertainment

Pregnancy & Alcohol

The effects of fetal alcohol syndrome are well-documented. So why is there controversy over how much an expectant mother should drink during pregnancy? We talk to a leading local pediatrician and the author of The Mystery of Risk: Drugs, Alcohol, Pregancy and the Vulnerable Child.

• More on the Story: Info, videos on book & Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• More on the book

Science & Nature

Eden Place

A Chicago family leads their community to convert an illegal garbage dump into Eden Place: a three-acre nature center for their struggling South Side neighborhood. Jay Shefsky has the remarkable story.

• Eden Place Nature Center website
• Fuller Park Community Development website

Education

Teachers Union on School Board Vote

The move to rescind teacher pay raises has garnered praise from Mayor Emanuel, while drawing the ire of the Chicago Teachers Union. CTU President Karen Lewis is here to give her perspective on the issue.

• Chicago Teachers Union website

Education

School Board Rescinds Teacher Raises

It was the first, and yet, monumental day for the new Chicago Public School Board. Facing a mounting deficit, the group voted to rescind a 4 percent raise for teacher salaries. School Board President David Vitale talks to Carol Marin about the decision.

• Did the school board do the right thing by voting to cancel raises?
• Chicago Sun-Times article on school board vote